Clippers Fight to Five but Drop Final Set to Raiders

Before the first set between the South Puget Sound Clippers and the Pierce Raiders even started, things were rocking at the SPSCC Health & Wellness Center on Wednesday night. Festivities kicked off at 5:30 with the Volleyball Tailgate hosted by the SPSCC Foundation and sponsored by Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel.

Once events moved inside to the gym, the first set was a back and forth battle with the Raiders eventually coming out on top 25-20. The Clippers jumped out to an early lead in the second set, getting off to a 6-1 start. The Raiders battled back to come within 2 at a score of 23-21, but the Clippers hung on, winning 25-21 off an emphatic kill from Hannah Bredeson.

The third set was a close contest. The Clippers held a narrow advantage through most of the set but Pierce took the lead at 18-17 and went on to win 25-21. In the fourth SPSCC kept it close and tied it up at 23 all before taking the lead 24-23, eventually winning 28-26 to force a fifth set. Much like the first set, the fifth was a back and forth battle. Unfortunately, also like the first set, the Raiders came out on top in the deciding factor, winning the set 21-19 and the match 3-2.

Katelyn White led the Clippers with 18 kills, while Caelyn Marshall had 41 assists. The Raiders had two with 20+ kills – Mame Leia (21) and Abby Draghici (20), and Rhegan O'Neil had 49 assists.

The teams entered the night tied for third place in the West Region. The loss bumps the Clippers down to fourth place in the region but with 4 games left they are still in control of their own destiny as they fight for a playoff spot.